Blogs from Ashanti, Ghana, Africa - page 20

A Trip to the Rainforest The rainforest: Protected, pristine, lush, full and cool in the heat of the day. It’s a very beautiful place abundant with provisions. It’s also a very dangerous place. A place where darkness begins to set in by 4pm. If you do not know it well, you should never enter alone. Robert, a 6th grade student, is the person I call on when a guide is needed! He knows the footpaths, as well as the dos and don’ts of the forest. He has the “hunter’s eye” and can spot a hunters trap or an animal in hiding. Sure the adult men probably know more but Robert is very people friendly and a tour guide at heart. As I walk through the forest I see green leaves and vines hanging, clinging and wrapping ... read more

This past weekend we went on a group trip with Mercy to Kumasi. Things, shockingly, looked the same, but since it was Easter weekend, many people were preparing for the holiday, and a fair deal of businesses were closed. We stayed at the Treasure Land Hotel, quite a swanky establishment. My bed spread was a lovely gold satin sheet- Asante gold was the running joke. Some of the highlights- the adrinkra and wood carving villages we visited, my Saturday spent in Kumasi market (the largest open air market in West Africa), the things (I’d be more specific but chances are if you love me enough to be reading this one of these things has your name on it) I purchased- which include two really fabulous belts. One of the belt buckles says BOSS on it- boss ... read more

English is the national language of Ghana. Though the school system is suppose to function in English most often, especially in rural schools, this is not adhered to. Our students grasp a main understanding and ability to speak English while still in kindergarten. As we discussed the pros and cons of admission during this last semester of the school year, Freda began crying when we mentioned her school in another village. She simply does not want to return to that school. She seemed serious and agreeable to the stipulations put on her. Due to her limited understanding of the English language we set her back to kindergarten (KG) level. We handled Cynthia in the same manner a year ago. Cynthia (14yrs old) joined our KG class in December 06. She has since moved right up to ... read more

I know you just heard from me a few days ago. I’m really not trying to clog your mail box with these postings. When I was in town last weekend I was not able to get a good connection to the internet. Due to the heavy harmatan dust in the atmosphere, phone lines, satellite itself or maybe even all of the above, for whatever reason, I just couldn’t get out there. I came back to town the end of the week and was able to connect. This past week Lewis Roberts spent three days with us teaching. Kirk also spent three consecutive days in the classroom. Wow! What a dream it was. All of the students were quiet and occupied. It was an enjoyable teaching and learning environment for all of us. I dream of what ... read more

I write you from our peaceful abode in the village of Fenaso. It’s now Saturday afternoon. I’ve spent the morning with Praise on the couch while he drank his warm milk - his morning coffee I suppose. Then after breakfast I trimmed Praises nails, my nails, my hair, plucked my eyebrows, washed the three dogs, fixed bike tires and tried to teach Praise how to blow bubbles with his bubble gum. He needs more practice. It’s been a very enjoyable morning. This is really the only time during the week that we are all together. Makes us all appreciate each others company. Kirk is a part time teacher this term. He is handling the 6th graders trying to prepare them for school outside of their little village of only 20 houses. He teaches every Monday adding ... read more